FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (19 April) – An Afghan girl died from a gunshot wound and a second girl was injured when International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops engaged the vehicle they were riding in this morning. While on patrol in Sabari District, Khowst province, an ISAF convoy discovered an unexploded ordnance and setup a temporary checkpoint in order to remove the hazard. A vehicle moved around a line of stopped cars and approached the checkpoint. ISAF forces used verbal warning and hand signals to get the driver to stop. When the driver failed to stop an ISAF soldier fired a warning shot into a nearby ditch. As the vehicle continued towards the checkpoint the soldier fired additional warning shots. The soldier then engaged the vehicle. One of the rounds struck the first girl. ISAF personnel treated the injured girl on the scene. Her family transported her to an ISAF base where she died of her wound. A helicopter transported the second girl to another ISAF base for further treatment. The extent of her injuries and condition are unavailable at this time. “We regret the tragic loss of life,” said Lt. Col. Maria Carl, ISAF public information officer. “ISAF goes to great lengths to minimize the risk to the civilian population in Afghanistan.” The incident is currently under investigation by both Afghan and ISAF officials. |
